17:14 - 7.07.2026

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July 7, Fineko/abc.az. Azerbaijan's role in the geopolitical arena is sharply increasing against the backdrop of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and military actions against Iran.

Responsible Statecraft writes that two key routes are coming to the fore due to current crises: the Central Corridor (through Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Turkey), and the Four Seas Initiative, which connects the Persian Gulf with the Caspian, Black, and Mediterranean Seas.

The main points of the article are as follows:

• The Trump Route and Regional Integration: A crucial component of the 2025 peace agreement with Armenia was the construction of a corridor between Azerbaijan's main territories and Nakhichevan through Armenia. This route, unofficially known as the Trump Route, was facilitated by the mediation of the US President. This route facilitates seamless integration between Central Asia and Turkey.

• Transformation of the C5 format into C6: By strengthening its influence, Azerbaijan officially joined the Central Asian summit in 2025 as the first country from a different region, effectively transforming the C5 format into C6.

Editorial comment: The weakening of the Northern Corridor and the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz played into Baku's hands. With new transit advantages, Azerbaijan is successfully transforming its geopolitical identity, aiming to become a leading regional power and a key bridge in cross-border trade.